23x31" screens: squeegee/coater size & portrait vs landscape

Our studio is upgrading from 20x24" to 23x31" screens, so we're in the market for new squeegees and scoop coaters... I think. The vac table (~23x31") currently has clamps on the long side, so the way I see it, we have two options:

I feel like it's not an accident that most automatics stroke in the long direction; just not sure if the same principles would apply to manual printing. I don't mind paying extra for equipment if it makes the job easier.

Also relevant: which orientation is easier for coating screens? Right now, we stand 'em up tall.

I print with the clamps on the short side. I feel like most people here print with the clamps on the long side though. I find it easier to pull a shorter squeegee for a longer distance....a long squeegee has more surface area in contact with the screen which means it's harder to pull and has more drag....but it seems to work for a lot of people here. So yeah, I print mostly with 23x31 and 25x36 screens with the clamps on the short side. Works for me. I occasionally print with 30x40 and 36x36 screens and those I have printed in both orientations on the same table. Printing with anything smaller than 23x31 on my table would be pretty awkward because of the reach though.

Generally, it is physically easier to print with a smaller squeegee. but then, if you want to print a blend the other way, you would need to turn it. I let the art determine the direction. Get two squeegees when you can afford it.

Coater - do it the long way with a shorter coater, easier to control, cheaper coater.

It's all relative. As far as I'm concerned these are still tiny sizes and marginal differences. I would keep your options open so you can do both. Personally I would set up printing landscape so I have the option of printing blends and 2up with a split squeegee. Plus I feel like reg is easier to hold and fine tune in landscape.